Give the Gift of Service

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give to others is service. If you spend three hours a week reading to a child, that child is twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading. If you work to secure food donations for a local soup kitchen or food bank, you are directly providing meals to hungry individuals. Find volunteer opportunities in your area or create your own and recruit others.

Celebrate on a Budget

The holidays can be expensive, but you don't have to break the bank to celebrate. Taking a few minutes now to plan your holiday spending cound help you avoid taking on debt. Start by creating a holiday spending plan, keep track of what you spend, avoid impulse purchases, and leave the credit cards at home.

Purdue Extension..Providing 1200 hours of education!

We highlighted Purdue Extension in Warrick County at our 2011 Annual meeting. During the meeting we celebrated a year of great 4-H, Agricultural and Natural resources, and Health and Human Services programming. During 2011 Purdue Extension in Warrick County provided 1200 hours of education to the citizens of Warrick County.




Jim Mintert, Associate Director for Purdue Extension, did a great job speaking about Purdue Extension Making a Difference.




We also played Fruit and Veggie UNO to highlight the Eat Your Way to Better Health program started in Warrick County this year.

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Being Active

Make us a part of your New Year resolution! Join us for a seven week "Being Active" program held every Thursday evening starting January 5, 2012. Classes will be held in the Alcoa Building and the Warrick County 4-H Center from 5 - 6p.m. Along with the lessons we will offer a walking work out session. Contact the Warrick County Purdue Extension Office at 897-6100 to register or e-mail elbert@purdue.edu

THANK YOU ALCOA WARRICK OPERATIONS

A big thanks to ALCOA Warrick Operations for selecting Warrick County 4-H for their Day of Service. Fourteen engineers from ALCOA Warrick Operations volunteered their resources to rebuild and expand the 4-H Council Stand Deck located on the south side of the building.

The Fab Products Engineering team worked on the project from start to finish. The team provided the design work and materials which resulted in 98 hours spent constructing the deck.

Their volunteer work has resulted in a $3000 ALCOA Foundation ACTION grant for Warrick County 4-H. We sincerely appreciate this high level of support from ALCOA Warrick Operations.

Warrick County is Wired for Wind

On October 5th, Warrick County celebrated National 4-H Youth Science Day (NYSD). Students at Boonville Middle School and Tennyson Elementary celebrated the day by participating in the 2011 NYSD experiment: Wired for Wind.

Wired for Wind explored wind energy and the engineering behind the development of wind turbines. The students were able to design wind turbines and test their turbines for performance.

The "New Normal" workshop

As America slowly recovers from "The Great Recession" of 2007-2009, many economists are predicting an extended "new normal" marked by slow economic growth, high unemployment, modest investment returns, precarious job security, and tightened credit standards. Please join us as Mary Lou Elbert, Family Resource Management, Purdue Extension Educator, leads this conversation, sharing her insights and resources. The program will be held on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 6:30p.m. in the Homemakers Building at the Warrick County 4-H Center, Highway 62 East, Boonville, on Old Degonia Road. Please pre-register to attend this free workshop by e-mailing Mary Lou at elbert@purdue.edu or calling 897-6100. Refreshments will be served.

Just in Time Parenting E-Newsletter

A series of free, monthly parenting eNewsletters, geared to the specific age of your child. Research-based information to help your child grow up healthy and ready for success. Where can I find them? Register for free, monthly email delivery at: www.eXtension.org/parenting

September is Preparedness Month

This September, please prepare in the event you must go for three days without power, water service, access to a grocery or other local services. There are three steps you can follow:



1. Prepare a Kit: Your kit should contain enough items for those in your care. The kit should include water, food that is non-perishable, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, and a battery operated radio. You can visit Ready.gov for a kit checklist.



2. Make a Plan: Agree on an emergency plan with those in your care. You may also want to work with neighbors to build a neighborhood/community plan. Sample plans can be found at Ready.gov.



3. Be Informed: Free information is available to you at your local fire departments, local emergency management agency and your county Extension office. Also, the Extension Disaster Education Network is a great source for emergency preparedness.


Source: Steve Cain: Purdue University Department of Ag. Communications

Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing Workshops

The "Beginners Guide to Grant Writing" is a 2-day workshop. Day One covers the basics about how to write a grant and Day Two, which occurs a few weeks later, brings the class back together to answer questions, continue refining the grant requests and finding out about funding sources. The cost of the class is $150 which includes a workbook and materials plus lunch and snacks both days. To Register: Contact 897-6100 for a registration form or log onto www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/warrick.

Degonia 4-H club wins 4-H 60 Challenge

We are excited to announce Degonia 4-H club won the Warrick County 4-H 60 challenge. The Warrick County 4-H 60 challenge was our campaign to promote 60 minutes of physical activity most days. The Degonia 4-H club logged 56,178 minutes of physical activity from April through July.

Making A Difference Conference

September 10, 2011 at 9a.m., Ivy Tech Community College, First Ave., Evansville, IN Pre-registration is $5.00 by calling 435-5287.

Choose foods and drinks with little or no added sugars

Drink water instead of sugary drinks. There are about 10 packets of sugar in a 12-ounce can of soda.
Select fruit for dessert. Eat sugary desserts less often.
Choose 100% fruit juice instead of fruit-flavored drinks.

The Warrick County Extension Staff would like to THANK all of the 2011 4-H Fair Volunteers for all of their very hard work to make the Fair a success! Your efforts were recognized by all - Great Teamwork everyone!

Animals at the 4-H Fair

4-H has always involved animals; therefore animal welfare is an important part of the 4-H program.

Part of practicing good animal welfare is looking out for the welfare of all animals. If you visit the Warrick County 4-H fair this week, you will see countless examples of 4-H members practicing animal welfare.

With the high temperatures this week, 4-H members are taking precautions against the heat by ensuring their animals are staying cool and comfortable. Just as families take care of the elderly who might become sick during heat waves, 4-H members offer the best care they can for their animals. The responsibility 4-H members undertake with their animals allows them to grow into caring and responsible adults.

Open Class Fair Exhibits

It's Fair Time - why not exhibit in the Open Class at the fair this year! Open Class Exhibit entry information is all on-line at www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/warrick .

"Salsas"

A "Salsas" Food Preservation hands-on workshop is scheduled for Thursday, August 18th at the Warrick County 4-H Community Center at 5:00p.m. Central Time. Pre-registration is now being taken at the Warrick County Extension Office at 897-6100 or elbert@purdue.edu. Pre-paid $5 fee for the first 10 to register. Hurry fast! You don't want to miss out!

It's Poster Time

In about a month we will be checking projects in for the 2011 Warrick County 4-H Fair. Many of our 4-H members will be working on posters.

For some poster tips: check out our Tip of the Month.

Down on the 4-H Camp Farm: Friday

We had a hot but rewarding day at 4-H camp. 4-H Camp Friday brought us field games, swimming, volleyball, canoes on the lake, and water games.

Down on the 4-H Camp Farm: Thursday

We kicked off our 2011 Warrick County 4-H Camp on Thursday. We had great weather for our first day of camp. Our campers were kept busy with group meetings, line dancing, swimming, and getting settled into their dorms. All the campers and counselors are having fun with our "Down on the Farm" theme.

Here is a shot of 4-H camp group mixers

Group meetings

New USDA Food Guide

www.choosemyplate.gov

Check out the new USDA Food Guide!

Food Safety NIght Workshop

A "Food Safety" Night Workshop will be held on Thursday, June 23rd, from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Homemakers Building at the Warrick County 4-H Center, Boonville, IN. All food vendors such as volunteer or church groups, etc. are welcome to attend this Free workshop. Please register by calling 897-6100 or e-mailing elbert@purdue.edu. Serving food safely for the public will be the topic of discussion.

4-H in the News

Results of a Tufts University Study (The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development) released today indicate that 4-H members when compared to other youth are: 1. More likely to spend time being phsically active; 2. Two times less likely to engage in drug use; 3. Two times less likely to use ciggarettes or alcohol. Warrick County was a site for the "The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development". For more information on the findings of this study go to 4-H.org and click on "about 4-H". Source: National 4-H Council

Welcome Amanda Bailey

We would like to welcome Amanda Bailey to our Purdue Extension staff. Amanda started this week as our new Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator after transferring from Vermillion County, Indiana.

She has already been busy with Warrick County Ag. Days and several horticultural questions and looks forward to her time with us in Warrick County.

Lynnville Students are Eating Their Way to Better Health

During March and April, third grade students at Lynnville are participating in the Eat Your Way to Better Health Program (EYWTBH). This program is taught by Purdue Extension staff and the Warrick County Master Gardeners and serves to help youth to improve their eating habits while also learning the science behind growing vegetables.

Changing Your Plate

How can I put more color on my plate? Check out the new Purdue Extension web site "Enjoy Food. Be Active". Access the site for quick and easy recipes at: http://www.enjoy food beactive.org/default.aspx

4-H 60 Challenge Set to Launch April 1

The 4-H 60 Challenge will begin in April and end at the conclusion of the 4-H fair in July. During this time frame, 4-H families are encouraged to complete at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Each person will self report their minutes of exercise on our website.

The 4-H club with the highest number of minutes per member will receive a 100 dollar award from the 4-H Council. Look for information about the 4-H 60 challenge in your mail box and on our website.

Spring Fling Breakfast

The Warrick County Extension Homemakers are sponsoring a "Spring Fling" Breakfast and Basket Auction on Saturday, April 30th, 10a.m., Warrick 4-H Community Center, Boonville, IN. Tickets are on sale for $7.50 (adult) & $3.75 (child - 4-12), 3 years and under are free. Breakfast menu will consist of Casserole, Fruit, Sweet Breads, Juice, Coffee, and Tea. Contact any Extension Homemaker for a ticket or the Extension Office at 897-6100.

Eat Right with Colors

Each color of the MyPyramid symbol represents the recommended proportion of foods from each food group and focuses on the importance of making smart food choices in every food group, every day. My Pyramid is a great tool for consumers to use to help them incorporate recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans into their daily eating plans.

Jelly Genes at Tennyson

We concluded the 4-H science series at Tennyson After school with a DNA activity. To introduce the topic of DNA to the students, we practiced making DNA stands out of jelly and crackers.

The process of making jelly cracker sandwiches helped to teach how genes come together to make DNA strands.

Warrick County 4-H Member Wins Citizenship Award

Katelyn Mehling, a member of Lakeside 4-H club, was recently recognized for her 4-H citizenship, leadership and community service activities by the Indiana Sons of the American Revolution.

Katelyn is currently serving as president of the Lakeside 4-H club and as treasurer of 4-H Jr. Leaders. She has also recently started an after-school language program at St. John's Elementary.

America Saves Week

Save your loose change! According to America Saves, saving fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund. Remember, small changes equal big savings! For more information, visit http://bit.ly/fHbGQy.

Dining with Diabetes

Dining with Diabetes Cooking School has been scheduled for April 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2011. Pre-registration will be due the Extension Office the last week of March. Please contact us at 812-897-6100 or check out our website for registration information at www.extension.purdue.edu/warrick. Program series times will be 10a.m. - noon and the workshops will be held at the Warrick County 4-H Center, Homemakers Building.

The Tennyson Ice Cream Shop

Our Scientists at Tennyson Elementary were food engineers this week. Using soy milk, we made soy ice cream.


Step 1: Our food engineers mixed vanilla (or chocolate) soy milk with 1 Tbs of sugar.











Step 2: Our food engineers put their milk mixture into ice. (the ice included a sprinkle of ice cream salt)

Step 3: Shake until milk mixture thickens and enjoy a tasty treat.

This was a great way to help children understand the benefits of soy, especially to those who cannot have lactose in their diets.

Essay Contest: "Our Food, Our Farmers"

Students in grades 4-12 can capture their love of Indiana food and farmers in an essay contest sponsored by Indiana Agricultural Commodity Groups and the Indiana Humanities Council. Entries must be received by February 15th and winners are eligible to receive Flip Cams and iPads.

Entry information can be found at www.FoodforThought.org

4-H Science and Biofuels

This week students at the Tennyson Elementary After school site conducted biofuels experiments using yeast, corn syrup and sugar.

This experiment helps to teach youth about alternative energy sources that are derived from plant material such as corn, sorghum or switchgrass.

Source: 2009 4-H National Science Experiment

America Saves Week

America's personal savings rate is near zero, most Americans are not saving adequately for retirement, and most lower income households do not have adequate emergency savings for unexpected expenditures like a car repair. But with more societal encouragement and support, more Americans will be persuaded to build wealth, not debt. The purpose of America Saves Week, is to encourage individuals to assess their savings progress and take action to advance this progress. February 20-27, 2011 americasaves.org

Clover Notes

4-H Science at Tennyson

This month we started 4-H science at the Tennyson Elementary after school site. For the first lesson, we touched on the water cycle, importance of water quality, and conducted water surface area experiments.

Great Job Kent!

Yesterday was our PCARET (Purdue Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching) legislative luncheon. Kent Kleiman, a dedicated Warrick County Extension Volunteer, served as the MC for the event. He did a super job!

Flood Recovery

Although we are in the midst of a brutally cold winter in Southwestern Indiana, in a few months our wonderful spring weather. Spring in Indiana brings us flowers, but it also brings us rain. The rain combined with our proximity to the Ohio river often leaves us with flooding. The Extension Disaster Education Network has a new tutorial on flood recovery to help flood victims return to their homes safely after a flood.

What's Buggin' You?

At the January Exploring 4-H meeting, we had a great time with bugs! We made caterpillars and spiders. We also learned how we can learn more about entomology through 4-H.

Exploring 4-H is a program for youth in grades K-2. Exploring 4-H used hands-on teaching to introduce youth to science, horticulture, healthy eating and many other topics. Contact us for more information.